Next Monday, Maya felt a mix of excitement and dread as she walked through the school
doors. Over the weekend, she had replayed every interaction with Elena a hundred times in
her head. Every glance, every compliment, every teasing smile had stayed with her, and she
couldn't stop thinking about the way her heart had raced.
She tried to focus on her usual routines walking to her locker, greeting Jenna, checking her
schedule but her mind kept wandering. And, as if on cue, Elena appeared in the hallway,
leaning against the lockers with that easy confidence that seemed to draw the entire room
toward her.
When Elena noticed her, she smiled slowly, deliberately, like she was letting Maya know she
had been waiting. Maya's chest tightened, and she hurried to her locker, fumbling with her
combination just to avoid making eye contact.
"Need a hand?" Elena asked, stepping closer.
Maya froze.
"I… I've got it,
" she said, forcing a small smile.
Elena didn't look discouraged.
"Alright, if you say so,
" she said lightly, giving a playful wink.
Throughout the morning, Elena continued her subtle pursuit. In English class, she passed
Maya a note without anyone noticing. Maya opened it discreetly:
"You're really good at hiding your thoughts… but I can tell you're interesting.
Maya's heart leapt. Her hands shook slightly as she folded the note and slipped it into her
notebook. She kept stealing glances at Elena, who was now casually chatting with friends
but occasionally shooting her a quick, knowing look.
At lunch, Elena chose the same table as yesterday, sliding into the seat beside Maya once
again.
"Hey,
" she said softly.
"You looked lost in English. Were you daydreaming again?"
Maya bit her lip.
reveal.
"Maybe… just thinking about… stuff,
" she mumbled, unsure how much to
Elena leaned closer, lowering her voice.
"About me?"
Maya's eyes widened, and she felt heat rush to her cheeks.
mean,
" she stammered.
"I… I don't know what you
Elena chuckled softly.
"You don't have to pretend. I can tell when someone's thinking about
"
me.
Maya's stomach twisted. She wanted to deny it, wanted to act like she wasn't affected, but
Elena's gaze was too intense, too teasing. Slowly, almost unwillingly, she found herself
smiling.
"I guess… maybe a little,
" she admitted quietly.
Elena's grin widened, and she nudged Maya lightly with her elbow.
important. You'll like it here, I think."
The rest of lunch passed in a blur. Elena was playful and charming, yet somehow careful,
never pushing too hard, never crowding her. Every small touch, every shared laugh, made
Maya's heart race. She realized she was enjoying this attention, craving it even.
Later, in art class, Maya noticed Elena lingering near her table again. This time, she carried
a sketchpad of her own.
"I thought I'd try a few sketches,
" Elena said casually, sitting across from Maya.
can give me tips?"
"Maybe you
Maya blinked, surprised.
"Tips? Uh… sure, I guess.
"
Elena smiled warmly.
"Don't worry. I'm a fast learner.
"
For the next hour, they sketched side by side. Maya taught Elena a few shading techniques,
pointing out small details in her own work. Elena listened attentively, asking questions and
laughing at her occasional mistakes. Maya found herself relaxing, laughing more freely, and
even leaning a little closer than she intended.
"Hey,
" Elena said suddenly, lowering her voice.
Unique.
"
"I like the way you see things. It's… different.
Maya froze. She wasn't used to compliments like that especially not directed at her.
"Th-thank you,
" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Elena leaned back slightly, her smile teasing but warm.
"Don't be shy. I mean it.
"
The rest of the day passed quickly, with small, fleeting interactions: a shared glance in the
hallway, a soft laugh during class, a whispered comment about homework. Maya realized
that she was thinking about Elena constantly, noticing every detail the way her hair fell, the
tilt of her head, the confidence in her smile.
By the time she walked home, Maya felt a strange mix of exhilaration and anxiety. She didn't
know what Elena wanted, or why she was so drawn to her, but she couldn't deny the truth:
she wanted to see her again.
And when Monday turned into Tuesday, Maya noticed something surprising she was already
counting the moments until she would.